Job Role: VAT Accountant Hours: Monday to Friday, 35-hour week. Location: Chester (CH4) Pay: £23.46 per hour Manpower is pleased to be recruiting for one of our major clients for a VAT Accountant based in Chester. This is a temporary position to cover a 9 month period. POSITION PURPOSE This role sits within the Tax COE Europe team. The 2 main aspects of the role are: * To take responsibility for and to manage VAT reporting compliance requirements for a group of markets within Europe region and other international markets, as required, ensuring internal and external deadlines are met. * To provide advice on VAT compliance related queries, coordinating with external and internal stakeholders where necessary. In addition, the successful candidate is expected to maintain a constant awareness of local VAT legislation and act as a real internal consultant to satisfy stakeholder expectations. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Preparation of monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or annual VAT returns and other indirect tax returns (sales listings, domestic listings, purchase listings, Intrastat, SAF-T) using Excel and/or indirect tax return preparation tool technology * Preparing and requesting necessary VAT submission approvals from internal stakeholders and following up on VAT payment requests and archiving documentation after submissions are completed * Preparation of VAT General Ledger reconciliation and follow up on issues and open items * Reconciliation of GL sales to reported VAT sales and follow up on issues and open items * Manage and assist with VAT compliance queries from the business as necessary * Support preparing VAT requirements documents and other documents as needed * Support Tax Technology team to test and implement requirements on a timely basis, as necessary * Continuous monitor of VAT legislation to identify relevant changes * Assistance in maintenance of VAT codes tables and VAT codes in accounting system * Assistance with VAT audits and liaison with tax authorities as necessary * Support strategy of standardisation and automation, continuous improvement and risk management KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES: Education/Experience * 2 years' experience of VAT compliance in at least one jurisdiction in a multi-national tax environment or equivalent. * Experience with SAP or Oracle is advantageous. * Excellent Excel skills. * Fluency in English. FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL * Ability to successfully manage competing priorities. * Ability to work with a range of technically and culturally diverse people. * Ability to effectively communicate to a diverse audience, at multiple levels within the company. * Autonomous working. * Ability to establish formal relationships with internal customers. * Demonstrates a team orientated approach. * Strong written and verbal communication to facilitate relationships with peers and senior management. * Ability to assess and resolve problems. * Strong analytical skills. DEVELOPMENTAL VALUE * Opportunity to gain an understanding of the business needs of an international pharmaceutical company from a VAT compliance perspective. * Opportunity to work within a professional and high performing team. * Develop the ability to impact and influence within the company to deliver superior business results. * Opportunity to gain international and country specific VAT expertise. * Opportunity to gain experience of working within a European team and in a shared services environment. Apply now for immediate consideration